Celery-Chinese Style
A crunchy, savory casserole combining crisp celery, water chestnuts, and tender almonds topped with toasted bread crumbs, perfect as a light side dish or vegetarian main.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the celery in a small amount of water until crisp.
- Mix together the cooked celery, drained sliced water chestnuts, and condensed cream of chicken soup; pour into a 1-quart casserole dish.
- Toss the soft bread crumbs with toasted slivered almonds and melted butter, then spread over the top of the mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresher taste, consider using fresh water chestnuts if available. If you want a vegetarian version, swap the cream of chicken soup for a condensed mushroom or vegetable soup. To enhance flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or soy sauce to the celery mixture. Ensure the celery is cooked until just tender to maintain its crunchiness.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a delightful side that pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. For a complete meal, serve it alongside steamed rice or noodles, like those found in other Chinese recipes. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color, or consider serving with a side of Egg Drops For Soup for a comforting touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Celery-Chinese Style contains roughly 572 calories, with 14g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value), iron (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2067mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble it without baking, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, use condensed mushroom soup or a creamy plant-based alternative. For a homemade version, blend sautéed onions, garlic, and mushrooms with vegetable broth and a thickener like cornstarch or flour for a rich flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to enhance the dish's texture and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so they remain crisp while blending well with the celery and water chestnuts.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).